Some facts about the Group One $500,000 weight-for-age Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) to be run at Randwick on Saturday.
* First run in 1954 and won by Blue Ocean when it was a weight-for-age race over 1-1/2 miles (2400m).
* Between 1955-69 and in 1972 run over 11 furlongs (2200m).
* In 1970-71 run over 12 furlongs (2400m) as a Quality Handicap.
* Between 1973-78 run over 2400m.
* The legendary Tulloch won the race three times – in 1958, 1960 and 1961.
* Other notable winners include Gay Icarus (1971), Tails (1972), Apollo Eleven (1973), Battle Heights (1974), Taras Bulba (1976), Ming Dynasty (1978), Our Poetic Prince (1989), Stylish Century (1991), Rough Habit (1992), Veandercross (1993), Durbridge (1994), Jeune (1995), Doriemus (1996), Intergaze (1997, 1999), Might And Power (1998), Shogun Lodge (2001), Defier (2002), Lonhro (2003), Grand Armee (2004-05), Eremein (2006), Desert War (2007).
* In recent times the Queen Elizabeth has become as famous for two defeats as for its illustrious winners – in 1997 Intergaze spoiled the farewell party of champion Octagonal and seven years later Grand Armee did the same to Octagonal’s most famous son, Lonhro.
* Intergaze’s defeat of Octagonal was the last time a three-year-old won the race. Retrieve is the only three-year-old in Saturday’s race.
* Previously successful trainers with a runner this year:- Anthony Cummings – Zavite (Road To Rock 2010); Mike Moroney – Viking Hero (Sarrera 2008).
* Previously successful jockeys with a ride this year:- Glen Boss – Zavite (Eremein 2006, Shogun Lodge 2001); Damien Oliver – Cedarberg (Road To Rock 2010, Sarrera 2008, Desert War 2007, Defier 2002); Jim Cassidy – Wall Street (Rough Habit 1992); .
AAP TURF
